Depends on which colleges that you're planning on visiting. Also, if I was staying in the Loop or Magnificent Mile areas, I wouldn't rent a car due to traffic and parking hassels.

For the hotel, I'd probably check out what's available on hotwire.com or some other such site.
Chicago has many very good steak and/or seafood restaurants. Just ask the front desk at your hotel what's nearby or check the web.

I will be in Chicago in December to visit a couple of colleges. I was hoping for hotel and restraunt advice. Also, should I rent a car or is it easy to get cabs?

From what I've read I think I want to be in Magical Mile area. Maybe the loop?? Just looking for a decent place close to a good steak or seafood place.

Thanks in advance.

If you'll be downtown, no need for a car.  Cabs are fairly easy to get and other public transportation is good.  

The Magnificent Mile is a great area to stay, with good hotels at several price points.  My favorite is the Peninsula, but there is also Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Intercontinental, Marriott, Westin and more.  Lots of restaurants and shopping in the area too.  

Great steakhouses include David Burke's Primehouse, Gibsons, Saloon, Texas De Brazil (A Brazilian churrascaria) and there are many more.  

Have fun!

If you visit the colleges downtown you will not need a car. As far as dinner choices here are a few of my ATF's:

Catch 35  (35 east Wacker) for seafood. It's nice, classy, and the staff isn't as rude as McCormick and Schmicks (though the new one in Rosemont has a very friendly staff)

Gene and Georgetti 500 N. Franklin for old world Chicago steak. It's a man cave with good food and a great history.

Trattoria 10- 10 N. Dearborn for asparagus ravioli and duck. It's a great place to cuddle during the colder weather.

Now, as far as your dinner companion...ahem

Have fun and stay warm!

Xoxo
VC

This is my second trip to Chicago and I have yet to find a bad restaurant.  Must be something in the water.  Everything in the area that you're wishing to stay in is stellar.  Just wonderful.  The people are great as well.

I have been taking taxis and haven't had much trouble with them at all.  There are taxi "stands" all over downtown and sometimes, you can just wave to a taxi and get one that way.

It would be helpful to know which colleges you're looking for.  Right now, I'm staying at a place near Hamburger University.  I didn't know that the McDonald's headquarters was located in OakBrook, which is near Chicago.  The things you learn while visiting!

priceline.com has gotten me some really good deals.  Just recently, I was in the nice part of downtown at a 4 star property and I paid $60.  In the suburbs, it was less.  Though in October, it was definitely more expensive.  If you don't mind taking some chances, try priceline.com

Good luck with your trip!

Elisabeth

ill echo what elisabeth said... if your downtown and dont need to go to the burbs, definitely cabs, buses, and the El will get you where you need to go with way less hassle.Hotels are a little pricey anywhere in the city but hotwire is always a good choice. Look for hotels in the Loop, mag mile, River North, and/or Streeterville
as far as restaurants, you'll have to work harder to find a bad one - we grow good restaurants here.